Doctrine of Obscurity by Rudy Jean-Louis

Doctrine of Obscurity is an artwork by Rudy Jean-Louis on display in Boston’s Seaport, listed in the neighborhood’s directory of local art. Jean-Louis is a prolific New York City artist and military veteran with an affinity for abstract geometry. He began drawing to pass the time while sitting through dialysis three times a week, and what started as doodles on comic books and cardboard grew into hundreds of geometric paintings.

The piece was made in partnership with ArtLifting, a social enterprise that champions artists affected by homelessness or disabilities by selling and celebrating their work. ArtLifting builds corporate and workplace art programs, including original works, rentals, rotations, prints, murals and commissions, and represents more than 200 artists across North America. Its projects include work for WS Development in Boston, as well as programs for Bank of America and Verizon.

What to Know

• Artists earn 55 percent of profits from ArtLifting art sales and royalties.
• Every ArtLifting artwork comes with a plaque telling the artist’s story.
• ArtLifting has worked with more than 550 companies.